Last fall I met up with these two and I had such a great time with them for their engagement session. Julie came to the session with a lot of props so I had a feeling there would be a few details at their wedding but I had NO idea just how many there would be. Just wait. It’s so amazing! It was a photographer’s dream!!!
The day of their wedding it was calling for rain all day. Luckily the rain timed itself quite well and it only rained for a bit when they were to do their first look (easy to reschedule) and when they were going to do their fake exit at the end of the night before we left (we moved it inside). The downside was the ongoing threat of rain meant that it was a crazy humid day – by far one of the most sticky weddings I’ve had in years. These two though rolled with the punches and were just so darn happy to be married that they didn’t let anything small like humidity get them down.
All day I had a perma-grin on my face. These two made my job easy, they were just a joy to work with. They were so in love and it was obvious to anyone who looked at them. Even if they weren’t getting married at one of the most beautiful venues in Stark County or if Julie and her hired team of amazing people hadn’t beautified the heck out of the wedding, this would have been a gorgeous wedding based on emotions alone. It was wonderful to behold.
Thank you so much for trusting me to capture this important day for you both! Also special shout out to the amazing Lindsey Beckwith for being my fabulous second photographer!
Ceremony & Reception: Villa Grande at Gervasi Vineyard / Bridal Gown: Casablanca Bridal via Abbotts Bridal / Bridesmaid Gowns: Adrianna Papell / Cake & Confections: Karla’s Sweetopia / DJ: Bella Sano Entertainment / Florist: Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs / Makeup: Purrfect Face / Menswear: Men’s Warehouse / Setup: Reinspired Bride / Strings: Arion String Emsembles / Videography: Just Hitched
I started out my day by playing with Julie’s GORGEOUS dress that is one made of dreams!
The other gowns also got a bit of a showing as well on the fireplace within their villa.
I loved all of the monogrammed robes the ladies had! SO cute!
Julie wanted an image of her with her bouquet before she got dressed. It was also nice to have a quiet moment before the craziness set in.
It was a tight squeeze in their room but this picture makes me smile, her Mom was so excited for her to be married!
I love the trend of doing a first look with the Bride’s father and I hope they always go as beautifully as this one did!
How adorable right?? HIGHLY recommend!
While Julie was seeing her Dad the guys were getting ready in their own suite inside the Villa Grande with Lindsey.
This image always makes me smile!
The rain moved in and we had to move the first look back a bit but it all worked out. I’m so glad we were able to still do it outside. This vineyard is SO beautiful!
While I was in front of Matt, Lindsey was capturing the view from behind Julie.
Seriously, how adorable are they? I love their smiles after their first look!
The skies were looming but they didn’t have a care in the world.
Have I mentioned how much I love Gervasi Vineyard? Because I do.
Here begins the fabulous details… this couch that Julie refinished for her wedding to have a selfie station. SHE REFINISHED THIS! It doesn’t end here there is more to be seen.
She also made the floral frame above the couch on the fabulous sequin backdrop above the couch.
Julie was a FIERCE and FABULOUS bride.
Julie’s florist, Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs, seriously hit it out of the park. I still can’t get over the beautiful florals.
I especially loved Julie’s bouquet which was made up up peonies and roses. It was the perfect touch for the wedding!
This couch needed these ladies and their amazing gowns on the couch!
I can’t get over how cute Julie and her niece were together.
I had to have one more portrait of Julie on this couch!
I loved the classing look of the guys with their black tuxes and bow ties.
I always return to this spot when I’m at Gervasi and with good reason, it’s beautiful.
A few more portraits before the ceremony began with the bridal party.
I really loved the bridesmaids dresses! They were a light pink and just so beautiful on!
Matt looked pretty spiffy himself!
I really loved the beautiful scrolling design in the petals on the aisle.
Julie made a ton of chalkboard signs for the wedding, this one telling the guests to pick a seat and not a side was just one of them.
She also had a water table set up near the outdoor ceremony area so that her guests would stay refreshed during the service. The water was served in mason jars with gold glitter ribbon W tags attached with pink and white straws.
I loved these gold glitter fans that Julie made as well. They were set up near the bubbles for the guests blow after they said I do.
As soon as Matt saw Julie coming down the aisle he mouthed “I love you” and it was one of the sweetest moments I’ve ever witnessed during a wedding.
Matt gave Julie’s Dad the biggest hug once they made it to the end of the aisle.
Julie had the BIGGEST grin on for the whole ceremony.
The kiss!!!
I loved their cheer at the end!!
This bouquet? SO beautiful! It also smelled amazing!
I really loved the bridesmaids bouquets as well, the trailing ribbons were the perfect touch!
I captured this image as Julie walked to the spot I wanted them to go to near the pond at Gervasi and it ended up being one of my favorites from the day.
The same spot on the other end of the pond.
They are so perfect for one another!
These two <3
They had their cocktail hour on the patio area where their ceremony was and also in the greenhouse and I loved the setup inside!
Note yet another one of Julie’s amazing chalkboards!
The couch is all set up for the selfie spot during the rest of the evening. Eventually it would be moved under the covered porch when the rain started.
I loved the setup for the escort cards within the gold frame (yes another one of Julie’s!).
Major props to Reinspired Bride for setting everything up and making it look amazing.
I loved the head table and the backdrop!
Seriously, how amazing is all of this?? The chalkboard table numbers, the flowers, the gold glitter runners? SO perfect.
The gold chargers were the perfect touch!
Also of note, they donated all of the arrangements to the local hospice hospital and when they told me this I may have teared up a bit. What a beautiful idea!
The white cake was perfect with the pink flowers and gold polka dots.
Yes, yet another amazing piece that Julie restored for the wedding – a DRESSER! The drawers were full of cookies and cake pops and there was all kinds of goodies on display on it.
How adorable is this ferris wheel cupcake holder?!!?
One of the junior bridesmaids MAY have caught me with one of these… and I have no regrets. It was delicious!
Thew new Mr and Mrs!!
They went right into their first dance and it was, of course, perfect.
Their toasts also were lovely.
The best part though was the kids also toasting their aunt… starting with the flower girl.
And ending with this adorable ring bearer who stole the mic from his Dad.
I’m still giggling over this hilarious cake cutting.
After dinner Julie and Matt danced with their parents.
Once the dance floor opened everyone was kicking up their heels and having a blast.
While Lindsey was inside capturing the above, I was outside playing with the rings!
The rain was POURING down (it started right as soon as the reception was underway) so their planned outdoor exit with the glow sticks/necklaces was moved inside and this picture makes me giggle every time.
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I’ve always been told that “Rain is good luck on your wedding day.” No one noticed a “little rain” on this beautiful day. The photos are amazing. Thank you Corey Ann Photography.